7 replies to this topic

[byungkyulee]

Hello everybody.

 

To briefly introduce myself, I am a sound artist, I have been creating installation art called Anthesizer (Ant + Synthesizer) for few years.

Here is the link to one of my recent works, Anthesizer IV. I am still working on this page so a lot of links would not open yet, but you would get the general idea.

 

And I am currently working on the next piece, Anthesizer V. Here are my questions/concerns.

 

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I would like to try 3D printed formicarium with 8 slots between chambers where I can easily slide in the optic sensors. Optic sensors' width fits perfectly with 1/2" tubing, and I should use tubing for each entrance bc ants might mess with the sensor (for example blocking the light emitting part with dirts and stuff) if I install them within the nest. Also, It would be great if I can do this from the back, so that the wires don't hinder the audience' observation.

 

<2>

The ant colony that I am typically using is P. rugosus. Since they are not good at climbing, I don't want to make it vertical. But just making it flat, horizontal would look boring. So I am thinking of making it like a staircase — 3 layers of horizontal nests. Do you see any technical difficulty or problem with this idea? If so, why?

 

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For those who has experience in 3D printing and AutoCAD, could you give me resources or advice? Also, any ideas, suggestions are welcome!

 

 

 

Oh, for those kids who always ask "Why would you do this, why would you do that" in a cynical manner (there is always one and I am sick of them), I am trying to make an art piece that is consisted of bunch of electrical components with live ant colony. It should work while the ants are safe and also look slick and sexy at the same time. I am not trying to come up with some horrible looking 'welp this should work' ant farms in your closet which serves only one purpose - barely keeping them alive.

 

[IdioticMouse26]

Wow! I saw your web page and the nest looks absolutly stunning! I love how you thought of creating music from ants, truly creative. 

For your question about horizontal nest, I think it would be fine. Although it largely depends on which material you would use. I don't know much about 3D printing, but I imagine the nest would be slippery if made from it. Since you mentioned your ants are bad at climbing, I suggest you either make the nest with lots of grooves and nicks for your ants to easily climb, or make little ramps up each layer. I do suggest, unless the nest your planning to make is thin, make it so that ants can use all of the nest, not only the bottom, as in, they would be able to stay on walls. That way, you can accomidate more ants. 

I'm sure whatever you make would still look awsome.

[byungkyulee]

Wow! I saw your web page and the nest looks absolutly stunning! I love how you thought of creating music from ants, truly creative. 

For your question about horizontal nest, I think it would be fine. Although it largely depends on which material you would use. I don't know much about 3D printing, but I imagine the nest would be slippery if made from it. Since you mentioned your ants are bad at climbing, I suggest you either make the nest with lots of grooves and nicks for your ants to easily climb, or make little ramps up each layer. I do suggest, unless the nest your planning to make is thin, make it so that ants can use all of the nest, not only the bottom, as in, they would be able to stay on walls. That way, you can accomidate more ants. 

I'm sure whatever you make would still look awsome.

 

Thank you so much for your kind words. I will definitely consider making the interior more groovy and curvy with ramps. And yes, like you said, I won't make the ceiling too high, and make each chamber small enough so that they can disperse and use all the chambers!

[Ernteameise]

Well, I am not a technical person and cannot provide any technical insight.

But looking at the website and setup, this looks like an intriguing idea and for me would be a highlight of an art exhibition (but then, I am biased).

[Stubyvast]

Wow! Awesome website! Love it so much, well done. I had no idea you could "Anthesize" like that. Nice!

okay I do have a 3d printer, let me give you some help, just from my limited experience.

I'd suggest you use PLA or PTEG for filament, just because both of these use elements that are non-toxic for ants! No deaths! Also, if they are 3d printed, don't worry about the slipperiness (I hope that's a word haha), because the way it's printed means it will have natural grooves and such for the ants to climb. Technically, the staircase idea works great though, but ramps work just as well I think. But yes, typically my advice would be avoid vertical, for that reason. Along with this, wall thickness should be at least 2 or 3, or else you're gonna have structural issues, especially with the relatively heavy optical sensors latched onto it. A good, solid base, and plenty of access points is a great way to go! It probably won't work to print it as a whole big chunk, I suggest you print each piece of the staircase separately, with either parts that interlock, or something else that'll connect it without risking ant escapes. Also, don't print it black. you won't see the ants at all if you do that haha. 

 

As for the sensors, awesome idea! they should work fine, but I'd suggest you use hot glue or some other glue to seal any gaps, just in case. It's surprising how good ants are at escaping. And don't put substrate into their outworld so they don't use it to block things off, as is the case with my tetramorium immigrans. Annoying little buggers with their building skills haha! 

 

love the Staircase idea! Just curious, what 3d printer are you planning to use?

Good luck, and hope Anthesizer V is a success! 

[byungkyulee]

Well, I am not a technical person and cannot provide any technical insight.

But looking at the website and setup, this looks like an intriguing idea and for me would be a highlight of an art exhibition (but then, I am biased).

 

It's all good man. Thank you for reading and reviewing my work. And thank you for your kind words. 

[byungkyulee]

Wow! Awesome website! Love it so much, well done. I had no idea you could "Anthesize" like that. Nice!

okay I do have a 3d printer, let me give you some help, just from my limited experience.

I'd suggest you use PLA or PTEG for filament, just because both of these use elements that are non-toxic for ants! No deaths! Also, if they are 3d printed, don't worry about the slipperiness (I hope that's a word haha), because the way it's printed means it will have natural grooves and such for the ants to climb. Technically, the staircase idea works great though, but ramps work just as well I think. But yes, typically my advice would be avoid vertical, for that reason. Along with this, wall thickness should be at least 2 or 3, or else you're gonna have structural issues, especially with the relatively heavy optical sensors latched onto it. A good, solid base, and plenty of access points is a great way to go! It probably won't work to print it as a whole big chunk, I suggest you print each piece of the staircase separately, with either parts that interlock, or something else that'll connect it without risking ant escapes. Also, don't print it black. you won't see the ants at all if you do that haha. 

 

As for the sensors, awesome idea! they should work fine, but I'd suggest you use hot glue or some other glue to seal any gaps, just in case. It's surprising how good ants are at escaping. And don't put substrate into their outworld so they don't use it to block things off, as is the case with my tetramorium immigrans. Annoying little buggers with their building skills haha! 

 

love the Staircase idea! Just curious, what 3d printer are you planning to use?

Good luck, and hope Anthesizer V is a success! 

Oh my god thank you so much for your advice! It really helps.

I watched some youtube videos of this guy Esthetic Ants. And I thought it would be awesome if I can use custom ordered acrylics and white color 3d printed material.

I am learning CAD basics and trying to come up with the starting point of my design haha. If you can recommend the software you use, lmk.
 

Also, I am thinking of purchasing Ender 3.
I cannot afford the expensive ones unfortunately. If you have any other recommendation for 3D printer under $200, feel free to share!

Thank you so much man!

[Stubyvast]

Yah no problem! Love to help!

Meh to be honest I don't use much actual CAD software, but I mean if you know Blender already, highly recommended! There is a LOT of stuff to learn though so definitely not for the faint of heart. For basics, I suggest TinkerCAD, which is very basic and easy to learn, and that's what first got me into it. Yes, Ender 3 is a great printer, my friend CoffeBlock (not his real name, haha) has one of these and it prints pretty fast too. (Meanwhile I'm using an antique Lulzbot Mini 2, used) Very good quality prints! As for acrylic sheets, they can be cut to shape with pretty much any power tool, and probably handsaws work too. I'd suggest a bandsaw for cutting those, though, if you have one. They are very sturdy, but can get scratched. Good luck! Maybe I'll post a picture of what I'm visualizing for Anthesizer V, and see if you like it.